RILEY COUNTY, Kan. -- Riley County firefighters had their work cut out for them as flames tore through a home early Thursday morning.

The Riley County Fire Dist was called the 9214 Blue Ridge Rd (in the Blue River Hills Sub division about 10 miles north of Manhattan) around 01:16 AM for a structure fire.

When volunteer firefighters were responding, the 911 dispatcher advised them that the two occupants were out of the house and at a neighbor's house.

When volunteers from the Blue River Hills fire station arrived, the fire had consumed all but one wall of the garage. The roof and other three walls had already fallen in the basement and several grass fires were sparked from the blaze across the street. About 3 acres of grass burned. Additional Riley County stations were paged from Riley, Randolph University Park, Leonardville and Keats.

"Firefighters worked feverishly to keep the blaze from extending to the neighboring residence," said Riley County Fire Chief Pat Collins.

The home and the Toyota 4-Runner in the garage were a total loss, estimated at over $200,000. The owner of the home is listed at Joe E. Jr. and Nancy Moore.

In all 9 apparatus, 21 fire personnel responded from six Riley County stations. Riley County EMS responded with an ambulance and treated and released the two occupants due to smoke inhalation. All fire units were clear from the scene by 4:30 AM. The cause of the fire is undetermined due to the extent of damage. The home owner stated that he thought the fire started near the propane furnace. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist the family.

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